Where Compassion Meets Career Growth
An interview with Rick Brooks, Director of Healthcare Workforce Transformation at Rhode Island's Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Q: What is the Caring Careers initiative, and how is it helping address the growing demand for qualified caregivers in Rhode Island?
The Caring Careers initiative, created by Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services (RIEOHHS), was built to make finding caregiving jobs and educational resources in the state easier than ever. Rhode Islanders looking for jobs in the caregiving space can explore different roles, learn about career tracks, and connect with current job openings - all in one place.Â
The site also offers tools for training, certifications, and career advancement to help people grow in their careers. For employers, it’s a valuable recruitment resource, connecting them with qualified candidates to help address workforce shortages in the caregiving sector. Plus, the site features a Loan Repayment and Supports Navigation Tool, guiding healthcare professionals toward potential loan repayment programs available in Rhode Island.Â
By simplifying job searches and recruitment, Caring Careers addresses the growing demand for qualified caregivers in Rhode Island, and helps build a stronger, more resilient caregiving workforce.
Q: Direct care roles are often overlooked, yet they are critical to healthcare systems. What kinds of job opportunities are available in this field, and who might be a good fit for these roles?
Direct care roles are at the heart of Rhode Island’s healthcare system, and the need for caregivers is growing fast. By 2030, one in four Rhode Islanders will be over the age of 65, meaning more caregiving professionals will be essential.Â
There are currently thousands of job openings across the state in roles like personal care aides, nursing assistants, community health workers, and case managers. Many of these jobs don’t require extensive pre-employment training, making them great entry points for people ready to start or switch careers.Â
Those who are compassionate, reliable, and want to make a real difference in their communities are well-suited for these roles. Direct care work is rewarding, offers opportunities for career growth, and the chance to improve lives every day.
Q: Many job seekers face barriers when pursuing careers in caregiving. How does Caring Careers simplify access to training, certifications, and job opportunities for those looking to enter or advance in the field?
Caring Careers makes finding caregiving jobs in Rhode Island simple, with listings tailored specifically to the field. Many of the roles posted require little pre-employment training, making it easier to jump-start a career in care. The site breaks down different job types so that applicants can understand what each role involves before browsing current openings.Â
For those already working in care, the ‘Career Advancement’ tab is a great resource. It features drop-down menus highlighting specific career tracks like case manager, community health worker, and direct support professional.Â
Thanks to a partnership between RIEOHHS and Rhode Island’s public colleges and universities, many training programs are offered at low or no cost. Caregivers can also explore the site’s Healthcare Training and Education page, where a variety of statewide programs are listed to help them grow professionally and advance their careers.
Q: For someone interested in starting or growing a career in direct care, what are the most valuable skills or certifications they should focus on to stand out?
All caregiving jobs require compassion, commitment, and communication skills to attend to the needs of vulnerable patients and clients. For some jobs, such as Personal Care Aide and Direct Support Professional, no formal credentials are required, and training is provided on the job. Â
For other occupations, such as Case Manager or Community Health Worker, specialized training and/or certifications may be required or preferred by employers. And for licensed occupations, including Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Dental Hygienist, successful completion of a formal training program and licensure exam is required prior to employment.
Q: Rhode Island is investing in transforming its healthcare workforce. What lessons or strategies from Caring Careers could other states adopt to tackle similar workforce shortages?
Caregiver jobs can be very rewarding, but they are also often physically and emotionally challenging. As such, all states need to recognize that, in addition to promoting jobs and careers, it is important to provide respect and recognition, work-life balance, good wages and benefits, safe working conditions, and career advancement opportunities for caregivers.
